The three relevant ordinances used by Forests Department Sarawak in regulating the activities related to forestry in Sarawak are the Forests Ordinance ,1958 (Cap 126), Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998 and National Parks And Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998.

The Forests Ordinance, 1958 (Cap 126) was amended in 1996 in the State Legislative Assembly to grant licence on the establishment of planted forests in Sarawak. The Forests (Planted Forests) Rules, 1997made under Section 95(1)(w) and (x) of the Forests Ordinance, 1958 (Cap 126)on the regulations and procedures on the establishment of planted forests was adopted.